It’s Cannes time again. Same place, same week every year, same view, same people, same insane prices, same people. It kind of reminds me of that movie Groundhog Day.
As I was sitting in my office some months ago I was thinking of all of this and said to myself, “Not again. Not this year; it’s just the same old boring Cannes.” But as the festival got closer and became more present in my mind, I started this conversation in my mind:
“Why go again Alan? Every year it’s the same old bloody thing!”
To which I replied, “Sure, there are similarities, but each year is an evolution of the business and of our craft. Each year we are unveiling new ways to tell a story about brands. Each year we hear of new ways we are connecting to brands and connecting to consumers. And each year we are surprised and blown away by the creativity that is out there in our amazing industry.”
“But what new stuff will you learn that you don’t already know?” I asked myself.
“That there are more screens to utilize, from the movie screen down to the smartphone screen.”
“It’s not about the screen,” I argued. “It’s about the idea on the screen that’s important.”
And so the battle rages in my head, until I start getting the calls and emails from friends and colleagues all over the world who are asking if I’ll be in Cannes again this year.
It was then that I realized that each year after I come back from Cannes I’m like a bundle of raw energy throwing out ideas, thoughts and suggestions to anyone within earshot. I arrange talks, presentations and even make speeches on what Cannes insights I have gleaned.
I realized how much richer my brain is and how much it’s helped my career, my credibility and reputation since attending Cannes.
It was about this time that I went online, clicked CannesLions.com and booked my delegate pass, booked my preferred hotel (always a surprise if you actually get booked in the hotel you choose) and arranged my airfare.
And so, as I write this sitting at the Long Beach bar on the Croisette, having just come from a fabulous seminar given by Google (I had a front row seat — what a keener I am), I’m reflecting on what I’ve learned so far. And it’s only Wednesday — the best is yet to come.
I say thank you to almost everyone I meet here: Bruno, the owner of the Long Beach bar; Phil Thomas and Terry Savage; co-hosts of the Cannes Lions; and all my peers and idols (I bumped into David Droga and reminded him who I was). I kick myself for doubting whether to come to Cannes again.
So let me give you all one bit of advice: if there’s one thing you can do for your career, it’s to come to Cannes. There’s nowhere else in the world like it if you’re in the business formerly known as advertising. It’s a chance to chat with your peers from the world over. It’s even a chance to chat with your idols, who are as approachable as your neighbour. It’s a chance to learn from the world’s best. And, who knows, you might even be lucky enough to grab a Lion or two.
Looking forward to seeing you here next year.
Alan Gee is co-founder and chairman of Toronto-based ad agency Blammo.
